September 3, 2021 | St. John’s, Antigua | Kay White
The enditnow global initiative from the Women’s Ministries department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is recognized on the final Sabbath in August each year. This annual event raises awareness about abuse and violence in the society and underscores the responsibility and response of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The South Leeward Conference (SLC) organized a weekend of activities to highlight important social issues under theme “Bringing Peace Home”. This year, there was a shift in focus from mainly discussions on violence against women to address other societal issues such as youth violence and pornography. Hence, the Youth Ministries department of SLC collaborated with the Women’s Ministries department to facilitate these events.
The virtual weekend commenced on Friday, August 27, 2021, with guest speaker, Dr. Kern Tobias, president of Caribbean Union of Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (CARU). He emphasized the importance of peace within the family through unconditional love, conflict management, effective communication and inviting Jesus into the home. Other participants were Debra Henry, Women’s Ministries director of the CARU), Dr. Carson Greene, president of SLC and Pastor Carl Hastings, Youth Ministries director of SLC.
On Sabbath morning, the enditnow program continued in the local congregations throughout SLC through the Women’s Ministries departments. At 3 p.m., the Women’s Ministries director of SLC, Pastor Kay White, and Attorney Allanna Rivas from Trinidad, were featured on “Let's Talk”. Let’s Talk is a popular Youtube program with host Dr. Carson Greene. Intimate partner violence was the subject under consideration.
During the Adventist Youth meeting that afternoon, the topic, “The Problem with Pornography” was deliberated on in breakout room sessions for married, single and young persons. The presenters were Pastor Wilmoth James – executive secretary, North Caribbean Conference (NCC), Pastor Silton Browne - retired president of NCC and Dr. Clive Dottin – Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director, CARU.
The enditnow weekend concluded on Sunday, August 29, with the Women’s Ministries island coordinators on each island of SLC being featured. The guest speaker for this Zoom session was Elder Yohan Babb, from Barbados.
The Women’s Ministries department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church remains committed to finding ways to alleviate the destructive and harmful effects of all forms of abuse through education, advocacy and support.